Upon arriving to pick up said vehicle, I was disappointed to see it was a Ford, even more disappointed to see it was a cross over SUV/Minivan type vehicle and that much more disappointed when it was in that faded Red woman color that Ford offers. I was pretty sure my weekend of driving was going to suck at this point in time.

However, I was pleasantly suprised. After sitting in the vehicle, you can see the typical ford dash and radio controls. Fired it up and off we went. First notable experience... WTF, a vehicle this size has no off the line power?!? Later, I would realize that it utilizes a CVT type of transmission which necessitates limiting torque shock to the transmission to prevent belt slippage. However, once moving, the vehicle has plenty of power... wow, it actually makes it easy to drive as power is readily available. The transmission simulates gears, but when power is required is gives up simulates gearing and just shoots the RPM high where they sit a-la jet turbine status.

Quick accerlations up onramps or massive pushes of the throttle are left with the RPMs high and pulling power to easily pass other vehicles. Impressive power, I will say that. I'm sure having the RPMs sitting that high like a jet turbine would probably freak some people out, but I knowing that the engine is in peak operating mode makes me feel better that the power is there. I was very suprised.

Crusing on the highway is done with aplomb as the ride is smooth, power is available for you to choose your crusing speed, not be aerodynamically limited and the noise level is fairly quiet. The suspension soaks up bumps as required, but road feel is still decent so you can tell you are driving on a certain type of surface... but not down to the fact if you just driven over a painted strip on the road or not.

A major kudos (especially for a vehicle of this type) ... BRAKES! Woo hoo, Ford finally put some decent brakes on this type of car. Jabs on the brakes are left you feeling as if air brakes are deployed from the side and top of the vehicle to help slow it's momentum. Braking is met with some excessive nose dive, but that's expected as the height of the vehicle is on SUV like levels (just with smaller tires). A full panic stop is left you thinking that one of your rear passengers has tossed an anchor out of the rear to help haul you down from speed. It was very impressive to say the least.

The interior was comfortable... but anything more than 60-75 minutes became uncomfortable, not to the point of you needing a rest, just enough to make you figgity. The controls were typical FORD, in the event that they were blah and you really avoided trying to use them if you did have to. Seating was available for 7 however, only 4 of them could be adults with 3 small children sitting on the fold down rear seat in the very rear by the hatch.

Speaking of rear seats by the hatch... while they did fold away into the rear of the vehicle. The fit and finish just seemed to be after thought. While folded down they were far from flush and it happened on more than one occasion that items would slip between the cracks necessitating for you to remove all your cargo, fold the seat up grab you small items and then put everything back to how it was before. That was a royal pain in the arse.

Gas consumption was decent... but nothing to be proud of, and ground clearance while on SUV type levels was more to be compared with minivans that typical SUVs (I guess that's why it's a cross over).

That's all for now... questions are welcomed.

Have you driven a Murano?

If so of the two which would you pick?

I think Nissan has a bit more sport in their line, hence it vs. the Highlander.

Although, of the 3, which would you choose (Murano vs Highlander Vs Freestyle)

And not to insult you, but what about the Pacifica, or the GM versions? How do they fair?

Thanks
Sachin

The Nissan definitely wins when it comes to interior... however, it loses points for it's excessive wheelspin and one tire fire that happens at 90% of all traffic lights if you are not mindful of throttle application.

Applying power in the Freestyle can be done with a firm push of the pedal. I'm not sure if that is a product of tuning or the necessity for the CVT transmission. The Nissan almost guarantees lighting up the front tire. I would almost recommend the AWD equivalent of the Nissan to help negate that fact.

Continueing with the interior... I believe the Nissan just has a better interior and support for the chairs. The Freestyle would require some sort of upgraded interior package to hopefully make the seats more comfortable.

As for the Highlander... I have only driven the hybrid Highlander (watch for a review later)... and not for long distances yet to really compare. Hybrid Highlander power though is excellent. That electric motor really provides the extra UMPH required to motivate it's mass. However, due to being a hybrid, getting one is pricey and I've been told they do not offer discounts on them. In fact, some dealerships are charging premiums over MSRP. :eek:

I believe they are discontuining the Freestyle rather soon because of poor sales.

Have you driven a Murano?

If so of the two which would you pick?

I think Nissan has a bit more sport in their line, hence it vs. the Highlander.

Although, of the 3, which would you choose (Murano vs Highlander Vs Freestyle)

And not to insult you, but what about the Pacifica, or the GM versions? How do they fair?

Thanks
Sachin

My mom has a 2005 Murano, Super Black but FWD. 245hp VQ35 with the CVT. I love it but y'all are spot on with the "one tire fire". She doesn't need AWD but it really should be mandatory, or at least a helical LSD.

The CVT is seamless. There is no equivalent to Steptronic, at least on hers, but the Sport mode will hold redline at WOT.

The Highlander is nowhere near as sporty as the Murano. I really can't think of anything at the price that is as sporty.

FOrd has out a pretty impressive line of cars right now.
no, they arent muranos, e90's, etc. But they do cost 15 to 28K, not 28 to 80K.

People sometimes forget lower income families need safe, decent, reliable transportation, as do businesses and second cars

Kevlar, thanks for the write-up on the FreeStyle. Always thought they'd make decent dailydrivers in the snowy midwest. Too bad they're being phased out?...